Big Ron leads Atkinson tributes

Former Aston Villa manager Ron Atkinson led the tributes to Dalian Atkinson following the news the former striker had died.

Atkinson, 48, has been named locally as the man who died after he was Tasered by police in Telford during the early hours of Monday morning.

He played under ‘Big Ron’ Atkinson at both Sheffield Wednesday and Villa and his former boss remembered a happy man both on and off the pitch.

“He always had a smile on his face – and played football with a smile on his face,” Atkinson said.

“He was popular in the dressing room, had terrific ability and did it in the big games. He did very well for me. I signed him at Sheffield Wednesday and when I joined Villa he was one of the first players I wanted to bring in. It’s tragic.”

Former Wednesday strike partner David Hirst has spoken of his shock and sadness at the …

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